Beau, showed up with the requested writing paper and a borrowed phone book. Ray had intended to search for a hot lawyer, but now he'd wait and see who the Court came up with.

One name he did look up but wasn't eager to call was his new boss. Maybe he'd be sympathetic and offer some suggestions. His boss answered and coldly asked what happened, as though he was the one person in the country who hadn't heard the news. Ray stretched it and said they might release him at any time, although he probably wouldn't be in Monday morning. He'd definitely get back at work as soon as possible.

The boss explained Ray hadn't been there long enough for vacation or any special treatment. "I know you're in a jam but a couple days, Ray, and that's it. Can't cover for you any longer."

He was beginning to hate his newly adopted town. He came here because this is where the job offer was, just a spot on the map. He wasn't looking for any trouble. Would people here actually convict him? Surely, it wouldn't go that far if he's innocent.

He sat at the end of the bunk staring out between the bars at the gray cinderblock wall opposite his cell. The cold blanket of reality settled down around him like a fog. I need to find a lawyer, he kept saying. Need to get out of custody.